SIA Flashback – T for Three

TC, TD, or TF? While similar enough from 1,000 yards, MG’s T-series cars exhibit more than enough differences up close to warrant a comparison test, but rather than just drive an example of each back-to-back-to-back, Richard Lentinello took a different approach for the article in SIA #173, September 1999: He had the owners of the three cars switch off and report back with their impressions of the other two cars. Surprisingly, they all tended to agree on the positives and negatives of each of the models and in the process presented a fairly complete assessment of each car.

Jacksays:

February 25, 2014 5:17 pm

geomechssays:

February 23, 2014 1:19 pm

Excellent article! This is the first time I’ve seen all three T-cars compared.

My first experience with an MG was the MGA, as it was in production and quite popular in the early sixties. I never heard of the T-series until I read the book: ‘The Red Car,’ in the fall of ’65 when I was only 12 years old. I was hooked and wanted a TC. But my mind changed forever a year later when I was at the local dealership the day a guy had just traded his TF for an MGB. The TF promptly headed for California where it naturally got swallowed up in the traffic down there.

I had an MGB back in ’72 but it never appealed to me the way a TF did so I sold it when I had the opportunity. The TF is still on my radar but with retirement staring at me in a short time, it may remain a pipe dream. I keep telling the kids to help me out with my Redneck Retirement Plan (lottery) and maybe I’ll be able to snag one and even have some time to enjoy it…

Terry Weatherssays:

February 24, 2014 11:51 am

I owned both a TC and a TF. Acquired a ’54 TF in ’60, having traded the ’55 Austin-Healey in on a ’58 Volvo PV444 to accommodate growing family. In ’62 towed the TF (with a canoe strapped on top) from Milwaukee to LA with the Volvo. Liked the TF, driving it to a new job in LA in ’65. Traded it in on a ’64 Lotus Elan around ’68. Acquired the TC as a project around the same time. Never drove the TC much. Thought it relatively squirrely and I never got comfortable with right hand drive. Drove it over to a United pilot’s home in Palos Verdes for $1000 just before copping out to the north woods in ’72.

Olddavidsays:

February 24, 2014 12:44 pm

Ray Kendallsays:

February 24, 2014 1:12 pm

I purchased a ’54 MG TD in 1958 my freshman year in college in Boston. It was a fun car for an 18 year old. Two things, I learned. One, how to
adjust the two 2 barrel carbs so that you could get
some decent horsepower. Two, it had no gas gauge, only a gas low warning light. I found out that my gas low warning light did not work when I ran out of gas in the middle of the tunnel to the airport. (The tunnel was 2 lane in 1958). Fortunately, one person could push it. Great gas mileage. We would drive down to Cape Cod and, at night, stop at the gas stations and drain the gas out of their hoses. (hey, college kids didn’t have money for gas!)(Gas stations in those days weren’t open at night)

Ray Costasays:

February 24, 2014 2:30 pm

As secretary of the Chicago Vintage MG Car Club, I know a bit about these cars and the people who own and love them. Some of our members own examples of each, plus other MG’s, both pre-war and post T-series. One can make an intelligent choice as to which car fits your needs best. The TC is wonderful to look at, but a bit of chore to drive. Nonetheless, people continue to race them because they are light and can be made reasonably fast. I have a TD, which is a much more comfortable car that handles relatively well. It has all the MG virtues of being easy to work on (and requires continuous maintenance) and easy to get parts for. It doesn’t look as vintage as the TC, but it is still “cute.” As with all makes of cars, the more recent ones are more civilized and powerful. This is true of the TF, the final T series car. Both 1250 and 1500 engines have a bit more power than their older brethren, and a slightly higher axle ratio making them just a hair faster. The windshield wipers and instrument panel are improved, as are the seats. Finally, the cooling system was pressurized. Had it been up to the folks in Abingdon, MG would never have made the TF. They would have gone right to the MGA. That said, the TF may be the best car of the T- Series bunch. I’d like one of each, myself but garage space does not permit.

Bill Landsiedelsays:

February 24, 2014 3:08 pm

I both my dream car three years ago, a 1951 MG TD. This was in fair drivers condition. I have been restoring ever since, but have driven it quite a bit. It is the true sports car experience, rag top, four speed Manuel, open sports car, this is the only way to make a real sports car. Not a fast car, but had the engine built out to increae hp. The idea of these cars was a sports car with a very small engine, that could be driven hard through the gears, with the engine putting out a significant level of noise, and fun! It is my favorite sports car having owned many. Second favorite a 1959 TR-3 has all of the qualities of the MG TD but more powerful, and slightly more advanced. I also enjoy my 1965 Citroen 2CV, which is the ultimate in low hp but tons of fun in the sun.